LAHORE: A special immunisation campaign has been launched in 10 districts of Punjab to inoculate over 1.5 million children against measles.

Punjab Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir inaugurated the campaign by administering measles immunisation to children. The campaign will run until June 24.

During the launch event, Dr Nasir announced that 1.5 million children between the ages of six months and five years would receive measles vaccinations in 147 union councils across 10 districts of Punjab as part of the ongoing special drive.

He also mentioned that polio and vitamin A drops would be administered to these children during the same campaign.

Dr Nasir said that measles and rubella vaccinations would be given in 80 union councils of Lahore city, while only measles vaccine would be administered in the other nine districts.

The remaining union councils include 42 from Rawalpindi district, 12 from Jhang, three from Hafizabad, two each from Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, and Toba Tek Singh, and one each from Gujranwala and Sheikhupura, where children will receive measles vaccinations.

Dr Nasir said the World Health Organisation is providing technical and operational support for the special campaign at the request of the Punjab government.

The health minister stated that children are the future of the nation, and their well-being is a prime national responsibility. The government is providing free vaccines against 12 deadly diseases to children under two years of age.

Dr Nasir urged parents to ensure timely immunisations for their children, as delaying vaccinations puts their lives at risk.

He advised parents to complete the immunization course for their kids on time and encouraged them to seek further guidance by contacting the health helpline, line 1033, of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2023